The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI–Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 56.8 in February 2025, indicating a continued expansion in manufacturing activities. This expansionis attributable to the positive contributions from all sub-indices.
Most of the firms, particularly within the food and beverage manufacturing sector, are gearing up for the upcoming festive season, driving expansions in the New Orders and Production sub-indices.Further, Employment and Stock of Purchases also expanded, indicating proactive adjustments to accommodate growing demand. Meanwhile, Suppliers’ Delivery Time continued to lengthen during the month, reflecting the increased pressure on suppliers.
Expectations for the manufacturing activities for the next threemonths remain positive, mainly due to the upcoming festive season.
However, the Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services
(PMI – Services) recorded an index value of 56.5 in February 2025 indicating a slower expansion in services activities. Business activities expanded, supported by the improvements observed across most of the sectors. Accordingly, business activities in the financial services continued to improve supported by increased lending activities.
Business activities related to wholesale and retail trade and eduction also showed improvements during the month. Real estate, professional services, accommodation, food and beverage, insurance and other personal services related business activities also indicated increases during the month.
New Businesses increased in February 2025, primarily due to expansions observed in the financial services, accommodation, food and beverage, eduction, other personal services, real estate and transportation related activities.
Employment continued to increase amid recruitments across many companies in view of the festive season. Backlogs of Work continued to declineat a higher rate in February 2025.
